Sunday, December 18, 2011

Update: US and South Korean intelligence report no suspicious movements of North Korean troops, and from what information is available, the country seems to have achieved stability through a power-sharing agreement. This alert will be lifted, although we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.

Update: Kim Jong Un and the North Korean military have apparently brokered an arrangement in which they will "share power", a drastic departure from the rule system of Kim Jong Il. What this means, and what exactly is going on behind the scenes remains uncertain. Additionally, the situation continues to remain unstable, mostly due to the fact that very little information escapes North Korea outside of intelligence and South Korean media reports. We will keep tabs on the situation should anything develop.

News reports around the world are indicating that the dictator Kim Jong Il is dead, and that South Korea's military has been placed on high alert due to possible destabilization or imminent armed conflict.

We will keep you updated as the situation unfolds.

If you are currently in South Korea or Japan, it is recommended that you keep close to TV or radio and check frequently for updates or government / embassy instructions.

Do not take this situation lightly; North Korea was highly unstable before the loss of leadership, and the potential for the situation to spiral is great enough to warrant heightened vigilance. Stay tuned.